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Tom crashes out of Le Tour de France

Stage 3 of Le Tour de France was a reduced version of La Fleche Wallonne and started in Antwerp to finish 159.5km further on the famous Mur de Huy.

The first points for the polka dot jersey were to be collected with four registered climbs in the finale. Four riders formed the early break of the day and enjoyed a maximum advantage of 3’30”.

With 60km to the finish, a big crash took place in the bunch and took down a lot of riders, including Tom and Ramon Sinkeldam. Unfortunately, Tom was unable to continue the race and had to abandon Le Tour de France. He dislocated his shoulder and went to the hospital for a check. Ramon [Sinkeldam] was able to finish the stage, details about his injuries to follow.

In the meantime the race was neutralized until all crashed riders were back in the bunch. After the race continued the finale was in full progress, as they moved to the Mur de Huy. On the steep climb Joaqium Rodriguez (Team Katusha) was the strongest of the punchers, Warren Barguil climbed to a strong 17th.

With a second place today, Christopher Froome (Team Sky) took over the lead in the general classification.

ReactionsAfter the race Tom said: “I remember everything that happened in the crash. A rider in front of me went down and I tried to pass him on the right side, but I was hit by one of the riders next to me and crashed headfirst. I slid into the grass and dislocated my shoulder, which they immediately put it back into position but my Tour is over.”

“Examination at the hospital have confirmed what we suspected, that Tom has an impression fracture in his glenohumeral joint,” said team physician Stephan Jacolino (NED). “Due to the crash his shoulder was dislocated and the medical team immediately put it back into position. The treatment plan will be made up in the Netherlands during the upcoming days.”